Campus Watch Staff Manual

SOCIAL MEDIA

Gmail: [email protected]

Facebook: MWSU Campus Watch

Twitter: MWSU Campus Watch, @mwsucampuswatch

Vimeo: MWSU Campus Watch

MISSION

Campus Watch is to put together a show with quality, passion and enthusiasm, so people will want to watch our show. The students in Campus Watch are dedicated in producing well-written stories filled with information the viewers need to know.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Producer

In general: The producer makes sure everyone has their stories done on time and puts the show together.  The producer puts the stories in order and makes sure the show runs smoothly. The producer  is ultimately responsible for all content produced by Campus Watch.

Specifically:

• Creates a run-down for each show
• Types intro and outro for the show
• Make sure transitions run smooth
• Make sure tapes are ready for the show and set at the beginning of the new stories
• Print scripts for anchor, audio and director
• Labels tapes with correct numbers
• Creates a tease on tape
• Types in all CG’s into computer
• Print show run-down for cameras and tapes

Qualifications: Knows how to work the appropriate software and hardware required to produce the show. Has previously taken Campus Watch.

Director

In general: The director, working within the guidelines set by the producer, functions as the manager of the show ensuring that the show runs smoothly and looks its best.

Specifically:

• Gives cues to audio for when to play music
• Gives cues to anchors when to read a story
• Gives cues to tape when to play the videos
• Ensures that the cameras are shooting from the right angle and anchors are in the shot
• Pulls up video so it plays during the show

Anchor

In general: The anchor delivers the news to the surrounding community in a timely and efficient manner. This individual may work behind a desk or work in the field to makes the events in the area known. The anchor is the face of the news station and a friendly way to relate the news to the consumers in a more amiable way

Specifically:

• Gathers information about stories to present them professionally on the air
• Delivers news professionally using good verbal skills
• Reads teleprompter

Reporter

In general: The reporter’s job is to go out and get interviews and shoot b-roll for a segment. His or her purpose is to create some footage for a story to be edited. He or she contacts all individuals being interviewed, conducts background research and assembles the story, working in conjunction with editors and the producer.

Specifically:

• Contacts individuals to be interviewed arranging a mutually agreeable time and place for an interview
• Stays in contact with the interviewees
• Shoots enough footage to cover the entire story, including interviews with primary sources, backup sources and any additional footage that might be required
• Ensures that all the camera equipment is working properly before shooting and returns equipment in working order
• Prepares for all interviews and acts professionally and respectfully during all interviews

Prompter

In general: Scrolls through the scripts while the anchors are talking and keeps up with the anchors’ speed. They do not slow down or speed up, or the anchors tend to get lost.

Specifically:

• Make sure all the scripts are in the rundown
• Check the speed of the prompter with the anchors
• Make sure the anchors can see the prompter on the cameras
• Keep a basic slow pace
• Pay close attention and not fall asleep

Editor

In general: The editor reviews the scripts for any errors. His or her sole purpose is to make sure the show is free of grammar, spelling, punctuation and style errors and that the copy is written in broadcast style. In addition, he or she makes sure the staff applies the writing style specific to MWSU Campus Watch.

Specifically:

• Reviews the scripts for each story
• Gives constructive criticism to those who needs to correct their scripts
• Checks for any errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation or style
• Makes sure the stories are factual and accurate

Audio and Tape Engineer

In general: The audio and tape engineer sets up, maneuvers and keeps up the electronic equipment used behind the scenes of a broadcast. This person controls audio equipment and makes sure the tapes go in the proper place at the correct time.

Specifically:

• Make sure audio levels don’t peak too high or drop too low
• Know your equipment and how to use your equipment before your first show
• Position microphones and cables so as little of them as practical is visible
• Ensure that microphones give clear sound and are placed properly on the anchor’s shirt so the sound won’t be ruffled
• Be aware of video levels and color precision
• Adjust video tracking if needed
• Review tapes before the broadcast for potential errors including missing countdowns

Camera Operator

In general:

The camera operator handles the camera during a show. He or she must communicate with the director and bridge the gap between the anchors and the control room.

Specifically:

• Shoot and frame the anchors during the show
• Wear a headset to communicate with the director during the show
• Give the anchors cues so they will know when to talk
• Ensure that the camera is in focus and framed correctly